CV joint maintenance is a routine item and it is doubtful your boots are
original, even if you only have 108K on the van. You can't get past the
calendar.

The GW rebuilds don't seem like that much of a bargain. However they do have
better quality boot offering and so far they have worked better than most of
the other boot options out there. That said I would remove the assemblies,
take the joints off the shaft and clean and inspect them. If they are
worn-diveted enough that there is play or notchy action in there movement
they should probably be replaced. Use a high quality grease. Separation and
turning into tar are the enemies. Avoid the temptation to over grease. A
properly packed CV does not have grease in the boots, just the joint parts
and the cup areas in the mounting flanges. Yes some will get into the boot
with use but do not fill the boots. If new joints are needed go for the
GKN-Lobro and buy from a place you can return them if you get a bad one.

Back in the days when VW first went to these (1968) CV joint service was a
scheduled item at 30K mile intervals along with wheel bearings. 100k CV
joints and boots sometimes happens but I wouldn't bet on it. Too many
variables. Maybe the next service will coincide with transmission repair or
replacement.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Kevin P Gilleran
Sent: Wednesday, January 13, 2016 1:57 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: 1991 westy: torn CV boots on AT - best course of action?

All,

I have a 1991 westy with an automatic transmission. I have torn boots on
both axles.

I am at 108,000 miles and wonder if I should r/r the entire axle assembly on
both sides rather than replace the boots only. It looks like GoWesty has
rebuilt axles with german CV's and lobo boots should hopefully be durable
for the next 100k.

I figure that if I am going to time and effort to pull the axles and I want
to do it only one time in the foreseeable future this might be the best
course of action.

Any thoughts or feedback. Thanks for your thoughtful comments.

Sincerely,

Kevin P. Gilleran